Hatteras village has earned the top spot from North Carolina on an online booking site’s 2025/26 shoulder season list of top affordable vacation destinations, highlighting it as a standout pick for travelers seeking value and fewer crowds.
The report ranks Hatteras third among U.S. destinations offering the best value for autumn travelers, with a median nightly vacation rental price of $63 per person.
The study highlights 40 domestic and international destinations with median prices under $89 per person in the U.S. and $50 abroad, underscoring the growing popularity of off-peak travel.
HomeToGo’s data shows that shoulder-season travel — the periods between peak summer and winter holidays — continues to gain traction.
The company reported a 27% year-over-year increase in searches for fall 2025 stays and a 25% rise for spring 2026 trips, reflecting a broader shift toward longer, more affordable vacations.
“Shoulder season is gaining traction among American travelers as they seek out ways to avoid peak-season crowds, enjoy more comfortable weather, and stretch their vacation budgets further,” said HomeToGo spokesperson and travel expert Eleanor Moody in a statement.
Hatteras joined Mackinaw City, Michigan, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the top three domestic spots for fall 2025. Other U.S. destinations on the list include Kanab, Utah, and Reno, Nevada.
Internationally, the report highlighted South Africa’s Western Cape, Athens, Greece, and coastal regions of Spain and Croatia for offering strong value and mild weather.
HomeToGo’s analysis found that Americans are traveling farther and staying longer during the fall months, averaging 12-day vacations and covering about 1,400 miles from home. Family and group travel is also on the rise, with average party sizes increasing by nine percent year over year.
The Shoulder Season Travel Report also noted that many destinations, including Hatteras, maintain their natural beauty and outdoor attractions in the fall, when the Atlantic’s warmth lingers and crowds thin out.
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Berlin, the company partners with major rental platforms and property managers to offer listings ranging from beach cottages and cabins to city apartments.
The company also publishes seasonal travel insights and affordability rankings, which highlights budget-friendly destinations based on booking and pricing trends.
The post Hatteras village ranked N.C.’s most affordable shoulder season destination this fall appeared first on Island Free Press.
Add to favoritesCredit: Original content published here.
